Govt Warns iPhones Running Old iOS At Risk of Massive Cyber Attacks in Pakistan

Pakistan’s National Computer Emergency Response Team (NCERT) has issued a cybersecurity advisory warning iPhone users about rising digital threats and the urgent need to strengthen device security.

The advisory states that mobile phones are increasingly becoming prime targets in cyberattacks, making it essential for users to adopt recommended security practices to prevent unauthorized access, data breaches, and surveillance.

Users have been advised to keep their iPhones updated to the latest iOS version and enable Lockdown Mode to reduce the risk of sophisticated attacks. The advisory also recommends setting strong passcodes, enabling two-factor authentication on Apple ID accounts, restarting devices regularly, and carefully verifying links before clicking on them—especially those received via email or text messages.

Any suspicious activity should be reported to relevant cybersecurity or IT authorities.

The advisory further outlines key practices users should avoid to maintain device security. These include using outdated iOS versions, clicking on unknown or suspicious links, installing unverified profiles or VPN applications, and connecting to untrusted Wi-Fi networks. Officials warned that ignoring unusual account activity or security alerts could leave users vulnerable to hacking attempts and identity theft.

Cybersecurity experts also highlighted the growing risk of “zero-click” attacks, in which devices can be compromised without any user interaction. The advisory stresses that proactive security habits, timely software updates, and cautious online behavior can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation and help safeguard sensitive personal and organizational data.